Xueqi Li

STK39 is an independent risk factor for male hypertension in Han Chinese

BACKGROUNDnSTK39 interacts with OXSR1 and phosphorylates the sodium-chloride co-transporter (SLC12A3), which plays a critical role in regulating the salt/water balance and blood pressure. Here we tested whether STK39, OXSR1, and SLC12A3 genetically contribute to hypertension in the Han Chinese population and how the SNP to SNP or SNP to other risk factors interacts in the pathogenesis of hypertension.nnnMETHODS AND RESULTSnEleven tagging SNPs from STK39, OXSR1, and SLC12A3 were selected and first genotyped in 1210 hypertensive and healthy individuals by sequencing. Two SNPs of STK39, rs6433027 and rs3754777, were found to be associated with hypertension in males (P=0.008-0.024). All other SNPs were not associated with hypertension in either gender. The association of rs6433027 and rs3754777 with male hypertension was validated by genotyping another 4598 hypertensive and healthy individuals. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval, P value) in males were 1.269 (1.13-1.43; P=0.0001) and 1.231 (1.078-1.41; P=0.004) of rs6433027 and rs3754777, respectively. The allele T of rs6433027 presented a strong epistatic effect on the allele A of rs3754777 in hypertensive trait. The minor allele frequencies of two SNPs were not stratified by age, BMI, or diabetes, the three major risk factors for hypertension.nnnCONCLUSIONnOur results suggest that STK39 is an independent risk factor for hypertension in men and that its intragenic SNPs can interact and function in the control of blood pressure.

MicroRNA and Transcription Factor Mediated Regulatory Network Analysis Reveals Critical Regulators and Regulatory Modules in Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a severe coronary artery disease and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of MI have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we compiled MI-related genes, MI-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and known human transcription factors (TFs), and we then identified 1,232 feed-forward loops (FFLs) among these miRNAs, TFs and their co-regulated target genes through integrating target prediction. By merging these FFLs, the first miRNA and TF mediated regulatory network for MI was constructed, from which four regulators (SP1, ESR1, miR-21-5p and miR-155-5p) and three regulatory modules that might play crucial roles in MI were then identified. Furthermore, based on the miRNA and TF mediated regulatory network and literature survey, we proposed a pathway model for miR-21-5p, the miR-29 family and SP1 to demonstrate their potential co-regulatory mechanisms in cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis and angiogenesis. The majority of the regulatory relations in the model were confirmed by previous studies, which demonstrated the reliability and validity of this miRNA and TF mediated regulatory network. Our study will aid in deciphering the complex regulatory mechanisms involved in MI and provide putative therapeutic targets for MI.

Fine mapping of chromosome 3q22.3 identifies two haplotype blocks in ESYT3 associated with coronary artery disease in female Han Chinese

OBJECTIVEnGenome-wide association study recently identified the chromosome 3q22.3 as a novel locus associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was designed to identify the critical haplotype blocks within this region in Han Chinese populations.nnnMETHODSnWe selected 1920 CAD patients and healthy participants from Han Chinese and genotyped 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 150 kilobases (kb) chromosomal region flanking rs9818870, a SNP associated with CAD at 3q22.3 in Caucasian.nnnRESULTSnSeven SNPs were found to be strongly associated with CAD in females and clustered in two haplotype blocks of ESYT3 gene. This was validated in two geographically isolated case-control populations. The two blocks were 14 and 25kb long, respectively. In a combined haplotype analysis, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval, permuted P value) were 0.70 (0.58-0.83, 2×10(-5)) and 1.44 (1.20-1.72, 5×10(-5)) for haplotypes TTG and CCA in block 1 as well as 0.73 (0.61-0.87, 3×10(-4)) and 1.35 (1.13-1.62, 0.0013) for haplotypes TCG and CTT in block 2, respectively. ESYT3 was expressed in human lymphocyte, vascular endothelial cell, and smooth muscle cell. The risk factors including gender, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia exhibited strong effects on the genetic contribution to CAD.nnnCONCLUSIONnWe identified two haplotype blocks of ESYT3 gene in 3q22.3 region that likely harbor functional variants, which cooperate with other risk factors and play a role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease in females.

Circulating MicroRNA-146a and MicroRNA-21 Predict Left Ventricular Remodeling after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objectives: MicroRNA (miR)-146a and miR-21 have been reported to participate in inflammatory reactions and fibrosis. Excessive inflammation and cardiac fibrosis may play important roles in the development of left ventricular remodeling (LVR). This study assessed whether miR-146a, miR-21 and other biomarkers could predict LVR after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Circulating miR-146a, miR-21 and other biomarker levels were measured in 198 patients with acute MI 5 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All patients were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography on day 5 and 1 year after primary PCI. Results: Concentrations of circulating miR-146a, miR-21, C-reactive protein, creatine kinase MB type and troponin I, as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), were significantly higher in patients with than in those without LVR (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that circulating miR-146a (odds ratio, OR = 2.127, p < 0.0001), miR-21 (OR = 1.119, p < 0.0001), eGFR (OR = 0.939, p = 0.0137) and LVEF (OR = 0.802, p = 0.0048) were independent predictors of LVR development. The area under the curve for the combination of miR-146a and miR-21 was significantly higher than for either alone. Conclusion: Circulating miR-146a and miR-21 may be novel biomarkers predictive of LVR after acute MI. Their combination may better predict LVR than either alone.

Association study to evaluate FoxO1 and FoxO3 gene in CHD in Han Chinese.

Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in China. Genetic factors that predispose individuals to CHD are unclear. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether the variation of FoxOs, a novel genetic factor associated with longevity, was associated with CHD in Han Chinese populations. Methods 1271 CHD patients and 1287 age-and sex-matched controls from Beijing and Harbin were included. We selected four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FoxO1 (rs2755209, rs2721072, rs4325427 and rs17592371) and two tagging SNPs of FoxO3 (rs768023 and rs1268165). And the genotypes of these SNPs were determined in both CHD patients and non-CHD controls. Results For population from Beijing, four SNPs of FoxO1 and two SNPs of FoxO3 were found not to be associated with CHD (p>0.05). And this was validated in the other population from Harbin (p>0.05). After combining the two geographically isolated case-control populations, the results showed that the six SNPs did not necessarily predispose to CHD in Han Chinese(p>0.05). In stratified analysis according to gender, the history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and the metabolic syndrome, we further explored that neither the variants of FoxO1 nor the variants of FoxO3 might be associated with CHD (p>0.05). Conclusion The variants of FoxO1 and FoxO3 may not increase the prevalence of CHD in Han Chinese population.

Characterization of Transcriptional Repressor Gene MSX1 Variations for Possible Associations with Congenital Heart Diseases

Background The human heart consists of several cell types with distinct lineage origins. Interactions between these cardiac progenitors are very important for heart formation. The muscle segment homeobox gene family plays a key role in the cell morphogenesis and growth, controlled cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, but the relationships between the genetic abnormalities and CHD phenotypes still remain largely unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate variations in MSX1 and MSX2 for their possible associations with CHD. Methods We sequenced the MSX1 and MSX2 genes for 300 Chinese Han CHD patients and 400 normal controls and identified the variations. The statistical analyses were conducted using Chi-Square Tests as implemented in SPSS (version 19.0). The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test of the population was carried out using the online software OEGE. Results Six variations rs4647952, rs2048152, rs4242182, rs61739543, rs111542301 and rs3087539 were identified in the MSX2 gene, but the genetic heterozygosity of those SNPs was very low. In contrast, the genetic heterozygosity of two variations rs3821949 near the 5’UTR and rs12532 within 3’UTR of the MSX1 gene was considerably high. Statistical analyses showed that rs3821949 and rs12532 were associated with the risk of CHD (specifically VSD). Conclusions The SNPs rs3821949 and rs12532 in the MSX1 gene were associated with CHD in Chinese Han populations.

A novel block at chromosome 12q24.1 is associated with coronary artery disease in Han Chinese populations.

Objective The aim of this study was to refine the chromosomal region 12q24.1 associated with coronary artery disease in Han Chinese populations. Methods and results Twenty tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms covering 1.2u2009Mb of chromosomal 12q24.1 were selected and genotyped in three geographically isolated case–control populations consisting of 7076 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and non-CAD participants. In addition to replication of the previous block (block 1), we identified a novel block (block 2) associated with CAD. In a combined analysis, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval, permuted P value) were 0.79 (0.72–0.86, 8.358×10−8) and 1.24 (1.13–1.36, 2.576×10−6) for haplotypes ATGGG and GCACA in block 1 and 1.22 (1.14–1.30, 6.484×10−9) and 0.82 (0.77–0.88, 6.484×10−9) for haplotypes GA and AG in block 2, respectively. Protective alleles of two index single nucleotide polymorphisms decreased the expression of NAA25 (P=0.034), but did not alter the expression of other genes within block 2. Conclusion We identified a novel block associated with CAD at chromosomal 12q24.

Oral nicorandil reduces ischemic attacks in patients with stable angina: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVEnTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral nicorandil in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with stable angina.nnnMETHODnEligible patients were randomized 1:1 to the nicorandil or control group. Current standard antianginal treatment was continued in both groups, while the patients in the nicorandil group received an additional 12-week treatment of nicorandil (5mg thrice daily). Primary endpoint was the number of myocardial ischemia measured by 24h Holter after 12-week treatment. Secondary endpoints included various 24h Holter indicators, angina occurrence, 6-min walking test (6MWT), ECG QT dispersion (QTd), safety and compliance.nnnCLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONnNCT01396395.nnnRESULTSnA total of 402 adult patients with stable angina were enrolled. Two hundred patients were randomized to standard therapy plus nicorandil and 202 patients to standard therapy only. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. The number of myocardial ischemia attacks after treatment was significantly lower in the nicorandil group (LSMEANS 0.896) than the control group (LSMEANS 1.782), with an adjusted ratio of 0.503 (95% CI: 0.301, 0.840; P=0.0086). No significant differences in total myocardial ischemic burden, maximum ST-depression, longest duration of ST-depression, 6MWT, or heart rate variability were noted between the two groups. Twenty three (11.7%) of nicorandil group and 13 (6.3%) patients of control group reported at least one treatment emergent adverse event, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnNicorandil significantly reduced the number of ischemic attacks when added to standard antianginal treatment in CHD patients with stable angina. It was well tolerated with no new safety signal identified.

Rs2459976 in ZW10 gene associated with congenital heart diseases in Chinese Han population

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are a large group of prevalent and complex anatomic malformations of the heart, with the genetic basis remaining largely unknown. Since genes or factors associated with the differentiation of human embryonic stem (HES) cells would affect the development of all embryonic tissues, including cardiac progenitor cells, we postulated their potential roles in CHD. In this study, we focused on ZW10, a kinetochore protein involved in the process of proper chromosome segregation, and conducted comparative studies between CHD patients and normal controls matched in gender and age in Chinese Han populations. We identified three variations in the ZW10 gene, including rs2885987, rs2271261 and rs2459976, which all had high genetic heterozygosity. Association analysis of these genetic variations with CHD showed correlation between rs2459976 and the risk of CHD. We conclude that rs2459976 in the ZW10 gene is associated with CHD in Chinese Han populations.

Association study to evaluate TFPI gene in CAD in Han Chinese

BackgroundTissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the main physiological inhibitor of TF-induced blood coagulation process, and may play essential roles in the pathogenesis of major adverse cardiac events. This study was designed to determine whether the variation of TFPI was related with coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Han Chinese populations.MethodsA total of 1271 patients with coronary atherosclerosis and 1287 normal individuals from northern China were enrolled in the present study. Four tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7586970, rs6434222, rs10153820 and rs8176528) from TFPI were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing. And the genotypes of the above SNPs were determined in all these participants.ResultsIn the populations from Beijing and Harbin, no significant case-control differences in the frequencies of TFPI polymorphism (rs10153820 and rs8176528) were observed between CAD patients and controls. Meanwhile, two SNPs of TFPI (rs7586970 and rs6434222) were found to be associated with CAD in both groups. In stratified analyses based on gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, we further determined that the investigated genetic variations of the TFPI genes seemed to be related with diabetes mellitus in CAD patients.ConclusionsGenetic variations of the TFPI genes seem to be related with CAD, which likely cooperate with metabolic risk factor (diabetes mellitus) and play critical roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.